469-Day Mission Tested Capabilities Of 2nd Reusable Unmanned Vehicle

The Air Force is confirming the successful de-orbit and landing of the second X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) for their Rapid Capabilities Office. The X-37B landed at Vandenberg Air Force Base at 5:48 a.m. Pacific time Saturday, concluding a 469-day experimental test mission. It was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., on March 5, 2011. “We congratulate the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office and the 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base on this second successful mission,” said Paul Rusnock, Boeing vice president of Government Space Systems.

An Airborne Call Remembered For Fathers Day

In early September of 1998 the pilots at Northwest Airlines went on strike. At the time I was flying Falcon Jets and so matters involving airlines had about zero impact on me. The one thing that I did take notice of was the fact that the strike caused the airspace above the northcentral states to be really, really quiet. That fact led to my investing the best $24 I ever spent in the aviation business.

Unit To Meet Growing Demand For Air Commando Skillset

U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command stood up the 24th Special Operations Wing in a ceremony at Hurlburt Field, FL, June 12 to meet the growing demand for the unique capabilities special tactics Air Commandos provide.

Will Eventually Become The First Man-Made Object To Venture Beyond The Solar System

Data from NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft indicate that the venerable deep-space explorer has encountered a region in space where the intensity of charged particles from beyond our solar system has markedly increased. Voyager scientists looking at this rapid rise draw closer to an inevitable but historic conclusion - that humanity's first emissary to interstellar space is on the edge of our solar system.

Joint Strike Missile Program Confirmed By Secretary Of Defense

Norwegian Defence Minister Espen Barth Eide said Thursday that the Norwegian Government has decided to start the process to finalize the development of the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) and its integration on F-35. The decision comes following Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta’s confirmation of US support for integration.

Cornerstone Network Strategy Necessary For Post-Chapter 11 Success

A new report published Thursday assesses the American Airlines cornerstone network strategy through both domestic and international lenses. The domestic route structures of oneworld, Star, Skyteam and the unaligned airlines are reviewed.  In addition, connectivity to international networks is assessed.

Appoints Robert Bryant Manager – Technical Projects

The The International Bureau Of Aviation (IBA) has appointed Robert Bryant as Manager – Technical Projects. IBA says Bryant brings with him a huge wealth and breadth of experience to further strengthen the Company’s technical team.

New Capability Designed To Provide 2-Way Secure SATCOM For Super Hornet Aircrews

An in-flight demonstration of a satellite communications (SATCOM) system that, if implemented, will enable F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircrews to conduct two-way, secure voice and data communications with other SATCOM-enabled aircraft, ships, ground forces and command centers has been successfully completed by the U.S. Navy and Boeing.

Aero Linx: Aero Club of Washington The Aero Club established a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) foundation in 1995 -- the Aero Club Foundation of Washington. All members of the Aero Club's Board of Governors and its officers serve as members of the Board of Directors and officers, respectively, of the Aero Club Foundation of Washington. An Executive Committee of the Foundation Board was established in early 2003 to provide more focus and energy to the affairs of the Foundation.

Middle Marker A marker beacon that defines a point along the glideslope of an ILS normally located at or near the point of decision height (ILS Category I). It is keyed to transmit alternate dots and dashes, with the alternate dots and dashes keyed at the rate of 95 dot/dash combinations per minute on a 1300 Hz tone, which is received aurally and visually by compatible airborne equipment.

"After we hangared that evening I left a note in the office telling them that I'd used the flight-phone and to bill me for it. The total for the phone call came to $24. It was indeed one of those rare opportunities when circumstances way beyond your control allows you to do something out of the ordinary that is really cool. My dad passed away six years later and I have often thought of him standing out there all by himself looking up into the sky where I had been and the feelings and thoughts he probably had. From an aviator's point of view, all things considered, that was the best $24 I ever spent in aviation." Source: ANN Contribuor Wes Olewszewksi, remembering one of those amazing personal moments in aviation where it is simply SO cool